The 1970s are long gone, which means that entertaining a group of friends no longer means slaving in the kitchen over a hot stove for hours (if not days) before the event. I'm mentioning this because, no doubt, there are those who are already in a flap about 'the big day' that's so quickly approaching. Yes, you know what I'm talking about. I can see you nodding!

Every year, it seems, the festive season arrives faster than ever before. And this year is no different. Indeed, I can barely believe that it's just over three weeks until Christmas Day. Eeeks. Are you ready?! I'm not sure that I am, quite yet.

Hello everyone. I'm catching my breath after the launch of my book, but just wanted to let you know that I'm still here, and will get back into the swing of regularly posting a feast of recipes, reminiscences, reviews and food news as from 1 December.

Until then, please stay tuned and thank you for your continued readership and friendship. Bizzy xo

Just over a year ago, I set up a writing desk in the sun-drenched library of my home; and scattered the top of it with piles of old letters, family photographs, lined note pads, a pile of lead pencils and a fountain pen. So began my journey of writing a book.

I remember the first time I ever saw a field of pineapples. My (soon-to-be) husband and I were on our way to Noosa on Queensland's Sunshine Coast, and we were so amazed by the sight of the massive pineapple plantation that we stopped by the side of the road to take photographs.

I have always been a details person and 'have an eye for it', particularly when it comes to real estate and property. In a former lifetime, I worked as a property manager and have seen close to a thousand or more properties of all shapes and sizes. More often than not, it is a delight to walk into a home and see the love that the owners have poured into it. This is certainly the case with Laurel View farm stay at Burrawang in the Southern Highlands of ​New South Wales.